Washington’s gutsy moment gave Titans a chance

Nate Washington collapses into the arms of quarterback Rusty Smith after Chris Johnson helped him to the sideline. (George Walker IV)

The Titans would not have gotten their final two snaps of the game if wide receiver Nate Washington had not managed to get lined up after absorbing a big hit at the end of his 40-yard catch and run.

Washington got into his stance and quarterback Jake Locker spiked the ball with seven seconds showing on the clock. Washington then slumped to the turf before Chris Johnson helped him to the sideline.

If Washington had not been able to line up, NFL rules call for a 10-second run-off from the clock, which would have ended the game.

“I knew I had to get up,” he said. “I knew the time was short. At the same time, my ankle was hurting so bad and somebody had hit me in my back and I started having back spasms. … C.J. came over and grabbed me up. He was aware that I had to get off the field. We need to pick each other up. That’s what he did.”